By Melanie Minty, arts columnist
SURREY — It’s a mad world. It’s a technology-mad world. We are constantly bombarded by texts, tweets, Instagrams, Facebook messages and other digital communications, and sometimes I feel we have lost the basic concept of communication. Just because you find information on the internet does not make it true. Is that our problem? We believe what is written – in whatever form – must be true.
The power of the written word – or, as coined by English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839, the pen is mightier than the sword. What is written has power still, even if we are not using a pen to accomplish it.
So, we can write down stories, ideas, truths, feelings – or just about anything. But sometimes, there just aren’t the right words available. Sometimes you just have to be there, a part of the action around you. Find your own truth. And here I am, trying to find some truth and power of words to tell you about a remarkable woman, Pat McClean. Pat passed away on Jan. 13, and there are no words to express what her contribution to community theatre encompasses.
Pat designed, created and built thousands of costumes for community-theatre clubs, including White Rock Players, Surrey Little Theatre, Metro Theatre and probably many more that I didn’t even know about. She was more than a costumer – her heart was in the theatre. Everyone knew and respected her talent, her energy, her commitment. Her creations are fabulous – and what a legacy! More than anything else, though, Pat was a friend to many in the theatre world.
“I was incredibly proud to be counted as one of Pat McClean’s friends,” wrote Wendy Bollard, Peninsula Productions’ director. “I am heartbroken that I won’t see her again.”
Well said, Wendy. The sentiment will be repeated among all her friends in community theatre.
Pat is a legend. Volumes could be written, but most of her memory will be spoken when theatre people get together and say, “How would Pat do that?” She was someone who was always glad to see you. Pass it on.
Since Pat was so very involved in community theatre, it is a fitting tribute to her and her work to keep live community-theatre presentations healthy. Get away from your computer screens and go see some live theatre. She believed so much in the power of the written word, especially when it came to life on stage as a play.
The Garage Sale, opening on Surrey Little Theatre’s stage on Jan. 25, is a comedy written by award-winning B.C. playwright David King and directed by Miles Lavkulich. Miles, who was the lighting designer for Surrey Little Theatre’s 2016 production of The Last Lifeboat, the play that won the Fraser Valley Zone Festival and then the provincial competition that year, says, “During my experience with The Last Lifeboat, I was blown away by the enthusiasm, energy and dedication of the SLT team.”
The Garage Sale is fun, and who doesn’t love a garage sale? More importantly, who doesn’t need a good laugh right about now? Sign me up. The Garage Sale runs at SLT, located at 7027 184th St., Surrey, from Jan. 25 to Feb. 24 – from Thursday to Saturday at 8 p.m., with three Sunday matinees, on Feb. 4, 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. Some performances, including on Jan. 26 and Feb. 10, are already sold-out. Tickets are $17, or $15 for seniors 65-plus. There is a special promotion on Jan. 25 and 26, when show tickets are $10. For reservations, call 604-576-8451, email reservations@surreylittletheatre.com or go to brownpapertickets.com. For details, visit surreylittletheatre.com.
People interested in getting involved with Surrey Little Theatre are invited to contact SLT at info@surreylittletheatre.com or call 604-576-8451. I think there just might be a bit of Pat’s brilliance lurking in many of you out there. You just want a chance to show it.
Elsewhere, Langley Players’ winter play, The Foreigner, is a comedy that will whisk audiences away to the warmth of a fishing lodge in rural Georgia, where they will find an array of entertaining characters. When one of the characters pretends to be a “foreigner” who doesn’t speak any English, the possibilities for comedy are endless.
This engaging play was written by Larry Shue, and is directed by the award-winning Helen Embury. This impossibly entertaining play was the feature at Beach House Theatre a few summers ago. If you saw it then, there is no reason to not see it again. More laughs. And truths.
The Foreigner opened Thursday (Jan. 25) and continues for a month at Langley Playhouse, 4307 200 St., in Brookswood. For reservations and more show details, visit langleyplayers.com, or call 604-534-7469.